I just bought a chrome version from Popflash, "imported" with international warranty, for $2600. I had sold one and definitely missed it's performance at 1.4 where I do a lot of shooting (concerts especially). This sample has a very smooth focus ring unlike my first one (black). It's possible that the brass components are smoother, don't know. It sure is a superb lens. best...Peter

It's taken me a while but I think I agree with you. The recent black lenses seem to need breaking-in or something, I've bought a few modern brass lenses recently and they are smooth right from the get-go.

Interesting Peter. Another case in point for me was that I sold a black 24 elmarit to fund a used M7 0.85. It may have been you who suggested I might regret it, and that was the case. I found a mint used chrome sample, and while the black one did not have focus stiffness per se, the chrome one is smoother and just has a better feel to it. Optically the same....fantastic! best...Peter

I actually have two of those lenses (don't ask! ) and the black one is in terrible shape with a lot of peeling paint on the rings/barrel. But it is an old one and is perfectly smooth. I also have an old 35/1.4 ASPH that is also perfectly smooth. But most of the newer lenses I've bought have had problems necessitating return to the dealer/Leica. I think QC really slipped at Solms in the last few years and has only picked up with the new ownership.

beautiful photos from everyone. I have a 50m f1.2 canon lens on DSLR gear. Its a beautiful lens. I'd love a similar M mount for my leica though. there is a distinct feel to the summilux lens though, unquestionably remarkable.

Well there is method in my madness, or at least I would like to think so. Rather than ask on forums what others think of a body or lens, I will buy one and try it for myself. Then I will either keep the item or sell. You do need a bit of a slush fund to be able to do this, but there's an inevitable lag in the process and I sometimes end up with having more than one copy of the same lens. One of them ultimately goes of course...

My black chrome example has one spot of slight 'grab' in the focus ring, I assume when the floating element engages. Otherwise it is smooth, and this grab has seemed to get less noticeable- either I'm getting used to it or it is going away.

My own take on the 50mm f1.4 Asph is that it is probably the best 50mm high speed lens ever made. I doubt that we will be seeing anything better in the near future as neither film nor sensors can resolve what the lens "sees".
As for absolute resolution, it is a toss up between the 50f1.4 Asph and the 50f3.5 Heliar which one can squeeze the most lines/mm out of a negative.
It is an "edgy" lens, not all that pleasing image for most stuff, but when you need details, nothing is like it. The close up performance is stunning - even a f1.4!
Is it worth the money? Well, if you like scalpel like sharpness and can live with the higher contrast - yes. I have had one since it came out and though I use it sparingly - there is a certain pleasure in loading some really fine grain bl/w (+X, Pan F or even Tech Pan from my dwindling supply) and shoot with it. If you are shooting medium speed or high speed films. it is overkill - but for color I would like to try it with the new Kodak Ektar 100!!

And now the new NOKTON 1.1 asph is coming to town @1100 usd ....we know you tested it....

I had a new silver version about a year ago and sold it. It was my favorite Leica lens of the other three I had. Without question, it was the most foolish thing' I ever did. Man talk about live and learn; I just ordered a new black version not more than an hour ago to go with the M9. Now, I care about good looks just like the next guy, and all but one (28-cron') of my Leica lenses were silver. However, if you are considering a new Leica lens, then think long and hard about the color, re-sale and weight!

In hindsight I would have bought the black version. Yes, my M8 was silver and my new M9 will be the new color “gray”. The silver lenses are heavier and they throw the center of gravity forward on an already precarious camera body. Also, I found that viewing the numbers on the silver background was harder on the eyes, especially in sunlight. Also, keep in mind the black copy will be easier to sell (though I wouldn't do it) because some Leica owner’s may not want a silver lens on their all black or future "gray" body.

Why on earth do we occasionally loose every bit of our common sense? ~

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